Mr. Secretary ad interim: I have the honor to
transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United
States, a copy of a letter I received to-day from General Nicolas
Regules, chief of the army of the centre of the Mexican republic, dated
in the city of Zitacuaro the 12th of July last, giving particulars of
the state of affairs in the part of the country occupied by the army of
the centre.
I am pleased to have this occasion to renew to you, sir, the assurances
of my distinguished consideration.
Hon. Frederick W. Seward, &c., &c.,
&c.
[Untitled]
Zitacuaro,
July 12, 1866.
Much Esteemed Sir: I hereby acknowledge the
receipt of the documents, relating to the withdrawal of the French
from Mexican territory, which you had the kindness to send me with
your circular of the 26th of April last.
You cannot imagine my satisfaction at learning that the United States
had favored us with their protection, without any solicitation on
our part, and that now we have no fear of a difficulty with that
neighboring nation on that account.
[Page 257]
I am particularly pleased with this act of our government, because we
are exempt from all blame, and must appear worthy before the world.
I commend you for your participation in the act, and heartily
congratulate you on it; and I hope you will make my sentiments in
regard to it known to the government.
As I presume you have received my former letters and documents,
mentioning my movements, 1 will confine myself in this to the most
recent events in the army under my command.
I remained in San Antonio de las Huertas more than a month,
organizing and drilling the forces that form the basis of the army
corps under my command; but as it was very sickly there, and the
supplies were nearly exhausted, I determined to make a raid upon
this place from the good accounts I had of it. I effected this on
the 1st instant, without opposition, the enemy having evacuated it
on my approach, and fallen back to Anganguco and Maravatio.
As my force and ammunition are not sufficient to allow me to attack
the two places, I remain here. The neighboring towns are armed, and
are determined to defend themselves, even if I leave them. Cavalry
companies are organizing in the districts of Tacambaro and Ario, and
are busy annoying the enemy.
The district of Apatzigan, once not very friendly, has now arisen in
our favor. This change has been made by the good conduct of the new
chief I sent there, assisted by the death of Julian Espinoza, the
head traitor, who was killed in fight at Tancitaro.
There are more than two hundred cavalry and one hundred infantry
arming in Quiroga; and, in fact, they are striving for independence
in every part of the State.
I also take pleasure in informing you that the States of Jalisco,
Guanajuato, and Toluca are daily increasing the number of defenders
of independence. I heard yesterday that a movement was making
against the invader in Tenoncingo and other places under my
protection, and that some imperialists took part in it. Encouraged
by these proceedings, I only wait till my forces are organized and
equipped to commence an expedition, the result of which I will make
known to you whenever it occurs.
From what I have already written you, the trouble I have had in
organizing my forces must be known to you; and now I only ask you to
do what you can to assist me.
In the mean time I remain your friend and obedient servant,
